Changes You've Inspired

The responses you provided in the CReWS Survey has been invaluable. TDCJ leadership has taken your feedback and implemented numerous new programs and initiatives to address your concerns. The survey is still being distributed to correctional officers. Please continue to provide your feedback and Be Part of the Change.

Equipment

Equipment was one of the most frequently cited areas in need of improvement on the CReWS Survey. To address this need, TDCJ spent approximately $3 million to purchase new equipment for Correctional Officers across the state. The agency has purchased and started distributing gloves, flashlights, redesigned thrust vest covers and air vests for thrust vest. Additionally, tasers and body cameras are being deployed to 23 maximum security facilities.

The agency will continue to monitor results from the CReWS survey for ways to increase equipment for Correctional Officers.

Training

TDCJ has incorporated feedback from the CReWS survey to enhance Correctional Officer training.

• Correctional Professional Development Program:
  
  
• TDCJ is implementing a five-phase training program to ensure cadets gain practical skills and proficiency in correctional operations through hands-on experiences and measurable outcomes.
  
  
  • Phase 1: Academic Phase (184 hours) – This phase focuses on foundational knowledge of correctional practices, policies and procedures. It includes performance-based assessments to validate understanding and practical application of concepts. This phase also includes a physical agility test that must be completed in the allotted time (2:55 minutes for males and 3:10 for females.
    
    
  • Phase 2: Unit Experience (136 hours) – In this phase, cadets are immersed in a real-world correctional environment. This phase emphasizes skill development through practice and reinforces learning through direct evaluations. A practical assessment is used to ensure proficiency of tasks.
    
    
  • Phase 3: Unit Operation On-The-Job Training (24 Hours) – This phase provides officers with hands-on experience in daily unit operations under supervision. Performance-based exercises ensure officers are competent in operational tasks and adhere to standards.
    
    
  • Phase 4: On-the-Job Mentoring Phase (40 Hours) – Officers will be paired with experienced mentors to foster skills, encourage adaptive learning, and receive regular feedback for areas of growth and improvement.
    
    
  • Phase 5: Continuing Education – This phase is ongoing for the remaining of the TDCJ career. Continuous professional development ensures job proficiency is maintained and new methods are incorporated.
    
    
• Unit Readiness Training Officers:
  
  
• TDCJ is rebranding the Field Training Officers to Unit Readiness Training Officers. With this change, individuals will oversee year-round unit-based training for all correctional officers, not just new correctional officers. This will expand unit-based training for all uniformed staff at the units!
  
  
• In-Service Training:
  
  
• The in-service training model is transitioning to a proficiency model. Staff who demonstrate 100% knowledge of core competencies, pass the core knowledge test at 80% or greater, and complete the firearm, physical fitness and PREA requirements will be deemed proficient and able to return to their unit quicker.
  
  
• Specialized Training:
  
  
• Correctional Officers have new specialized training tracks they can request to take, such as: Quick Response Team, Public Medical Transport Officer, and Stop the Bleed. If you are interested in learning more about these trainings, reach out to your supervisor.